Daniel Andrews releases video message ahead of return as Victorian Premier following back injury

Daniel Andrews releases video message ahead of return to politics

The wife of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says she thought her husband might die on the day he broke several ribs and fractured his vertebra.

Catherine Andrews was speaking in a video message posted to social media the day before the Premier's return to work.

"It was awful because you were going blue," Ms Andrews said.

"I was thinking you are going to die here in Sorrento in this holiday house."

Flanked by his wife in the video, Mr Andrews said it was one of the hardest periods they had gone through.

Mr Andrews suffered at least five broken ribs and an acute compression fracture of the T7 vertebra when he slipped on the steps of a holiday house on March 9. He took the time since off work to heal, leaving James Merlino as Victoria's acting Premier.

But unsubstantiated rumours about his fall have been circulating for some time. 

Daniel Andrews is returning after four months in rehabilitation. (Twitter: @DanielAndrewsMP)

"We'd been down the beach, having a family weekend," Mr Andrews said.

"It was a bit of a chance to have some time together and to make up for the time that summer had been really busy and a holiday that had been planned hadn't happened.

"I am making my way to the car and head off to work and it had been raining … as I put my foot on the first step, I knew I was in trouble."

Mr Andrews said he didn't connect with the step, but slid right off.

Mr Andrews thanked Victoria Ambulance, Victoria Police, the medical staff and the Victorian community for their support. 

Daniel Andrews, pictured at home with his daughter, says he is making "steady progress".   (Twitter)

"We have seen some really vile stories being put around what happened," he said.

"Politics isn't always like that."

Merlino says Premier's return 'a great thing'

Acting Premier James Merlino said he was delighted Mr Andrews was "back on his feet" and would return to his role.

"We all know what a long and painful recovery it is for anyone who has suffered a serious back injury, and Dan needed that time to fully recover," he said.

Victoria's Acting Premier James Merlino says he is looking forward to spending more time with his family. (News Video)

Mr Merlino said he had been in touch with the Premier over the past few weeks to help prepare him for his return to the role.

"I've been in regular contact with Dan on the big issues, but in terms of the day-to-day running of the government, the budget, PAEC [Public Accounts and Estimates Committee] and responding to the pandemic, we wanted him focused on his recovery," he said.

Mr Merlino said he was looking forward to being able to spend some days with his wife and children during the school holiday period.

The Deputy Premier's stint in the top job is officially due to come to an end at 10:00pm Sunday night.